Celaena Sardothien is a well-trained assassin known throughout the world at the young age of eighteen until she is captured and imprisoned in the salt mines of Endovier. When she is offered a chance of freedom by Prince Dorian of Adarlan, she jumps to take it, on the condition that she beats twenty-three other murderers in the King’s competition. If she successfully becomes the King’s Champion, Celaena will serve him for four years before she can gain her freedom. Celeana has the skills and wits to win, but something evil lurks in the castle and begins to kill off her competitors one by one. She trains with the Captain of the Guard, Chaol, bickers with Prince Dorian, and finds a friend in Nehemia, the princess of Eyllwe.
Having already read the A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Mass, I came into reading this book with fairly high expectations. While the first third of the book was a bit too slow-paced for me at times, it quickly picked up speed as the story continued. I always love reading about strong female characters, and Celeana was no different. She’s incredibly smart, adept, and quick on her feet, which made me instantly love her character. I also love a good love triangle, and the dynamic between Celeana, Dorian, and Chaol left me immediately wanting more after finishing the book.